Welcome to your Formé Jewelry Atelier Metal Clay Kit — everything you need to turn your idea into a piece of jewelry, shaped entirely by you.
This guide can be used with both Formé Silver Clay and White Bronze Clay. The designing, shaping and refining process is similar for both materials, but their shrinkage and firing methods are different.
Please identify the clay written on your packet and read the complete guide before opening it.
Firing: Butane torch or temperature-controlled electric kiln. Shrinkage: approximately 8–9%.
Firing: Two-step process in a temperature-controlled electric kiln. Shrinkage: approximately 10–11%
Metal clay begins to dry after it is exposed to air. It is not like modeling clay and cannot be worked indefinitely.
1. Sketch your idea on paper before opening the packet.
2. Read the complete guide and prepare every tool in advance.
3. Work on a clean, smooth surface.
4. Open the clay only when you are ready to begin.
5. Keep unused clay tightly wrapped and sealed.
6. Work calmly, but efficiently.
Clay, Ring sizer, Wooden ring mandrel, Work surface, Roller, Shaping and design tools, Sandpaper, Polishing sponge, Polishing cloth
The firing equipment required depends on the clay you have selected. See the relevant firing section before beginning.
STEP 1 — CHOOSE YOUR SIZE
Use the ring sizer to find your usual ring size.
Because silver clay shrinks during firing, make your ring larger according to the shrinkage rate stated on the clay packet. Place the clay around the wooden mandrel at the adjusted size.
STEP 2 — SHAPE YOUR DESIGN
Open the clay only when you are ready to begin. Knead it briefly, then roll it to an even thickness on the work surface.
Cut, shape, stamp or texture your design using the tools provided.
Use only a tiny amount of water to smooth edges or join pieces of clay. Too much water can make the clay sticky and weak.
Return any unused clay to its packaging immediately and seal it well.
STEP 3 — DRY COMPLETELY
Allow your piece to dry until it is completely hard.
Air-drying for 24 hours is the gentlest option. If the instructions supplied with your specific clay allow heat drying, you may follow the manufacturer’s recommended method.
Never fire damp clay. Trapped moisture can cause cracking or breakage.
STEP 4 — REFINE THE DRY PIECE
Once completely dry, gently refine the shape using the sandpaper and tools.
Smooth the edges, correct small imperfections and complete as much detail as possible before firing.
At this stage, the piece is fragile. Hold it lightly and avoid bending or pressing it.
STEP 5 — FIRE YOUR PIECE
Different silver clay formulas require different firing temperatures and times. The instructions provided with your clay always take priority.
1. Work in a well-ventilated area on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Keep children, pets and flammable objects away from your workspace.
2. Place the completely dry piece on the fire-safe firing surface supplied with your kit. Wear safety glasses, tie back long hair and keep heat-resistant tweezers nearby.
3. Light the torch away from the piece. Begin heating the piece slowly and evenly. A small flame or smoke may appear while the organic binder burns away.
4. Continue heating evenly until the piece reaches the color described in the clay manufacturer’s instructions. Maintain this color for the exact amount of time stated on the packet.
5. Turn off the torch and allow the piece to cool completely on the fire-safe surface. Never touch it with bare hands while it is hot, and never leave a lit torch unattended.
Insufficient heat may leave your piece weak, while excessive heat may melt the silver. Do not torch-fire glass, shells, unknown stones, plastic, aluminum, plated parts or other added materials. Only include gemstones or findings if their supplier confirms that they are safe for the clay’s complete firing schedule.
STEP 6 — BRING OUT THE SILVER
After firing, your piece may appear white and matte. This is completely normal.
Once it has cooled, polish it gently with the polishing sponge. Finish with the polishing cloth until the silver develops its shine.
Your piece is now ready to wear.
Fine silver is softer than sterling silver, so treat delicate pieces with care.
Store opened clay tightly wrapped in an airtight bag in a cool, dark place.
Keep the clay, tools, fuel and hot equipment out of reach of children.
Never use a torch if you are unsure how to operate it safely. Ask an experienced adult, jeweler or workshop instructor for help.
Results cannot be guaranteed when using another clay formula or a firing method outside the manufacturer’s instructions.
Made slowly. Made personally. Made by you.